Who governs Roma Nova?

You may have gathered from the nine Roma Nova books that the small state has various bodies of government: head of state (imperatrix), upper house (senate), people’s assembly, local government (curia) offices, a legal system, a foreign ministry and other ministries, a strong diplomatic service, a central bank, army and police force (vigiles, later […]

Where the senators lurk...

Curia Julia (back)

Cicero accusing Cataline, Maccari Hall, Italian Senate (Public domain)

Roman senators: men in white togas, lots of waffle, drama, hot air and the odd good speech. Such is the (often wildly inaccurate) impression that we gain from television and film of Rome’s Senate.

The senatus romanus was one of the most enduring institutions […]

Happy New Year? Um...

Cheers! Drinking contest of Herakles and Dionysos, early 3rd century AD Antioch

Felix sanusque sit novus annus!

In the modern Western calendar, it’s the beginning of the year, a time for renewals and resolutions. I wish you every luck in your health, goals and prosperity in the coming year.

It was a much […]